West-refuge trails include the long McFadden's Marsh trail, a prairie overlook boardwalk, and reservable blinds for observing and photographing birds and wildlife.

Beaver & Cattail Ponds Trail (Unimproved trail) is 2 miles round trip. Open April 1 to October 31. Trailhead is located at a turnout off Bruce Road. Walk up the interior service road to an old rock quarry site. Turn left, cross the bridge and follow trail through the Maple Knoll Research Natural Area to Beaver Pond. Return to the service road, and follow signs to Cattail Pond. Turn right and follow the field edge to the wooded trail that returns to Pigeon Springs. Be sure to look for wood ducks, pied-billed grebes, and mergansers at the ponds.